BOWEN, THOMAS (1756 - 1827), Independent minister

Born 1756 in the Capel Isaac neighbourhood, of humble parents. He was compelled to earn his living from a very early age, but the farmer for whom he worked encouraged him to get lessons from John Griffiths (1731 - 1811) of Glandŵr, and in 1777 he went to the Abergavenny Academy. In 1781 he was called to Maes-yr-onnen where he was responsible for a considerable increase in the vitality of the church. His sphere of influence extended, and he was fined by the magistrates at Brecon for preaching in a house in Llansantffraid parish without a licence. He established new churches in the neighbourhood.

In 1795 he moved to Maes-yr-haf chapel, Neath. While there he founded the churches at Melin-cwrt and Aberavon, as well as the first Sunday school in the district. In consequence of a doctrinal dispute many members left Maes-yr-haf and started a Unitarian church in the town. He died 27 February 1827.